I’ve been thinking about the ride comfort and handling on my MINI F56. I know these cars usually come with run-flat tyres, but I keep hearing mixed opinions about whether they’re worth keeping or if switching to regular tyres makes more sense.
bettyross
I think it’s something of a lottery as to which tyres are fitted at the factory. Neither of our F56s came with run-flats and we had a spate of punctures last year but each time I was able to get to a tyre shop for repair without much bother.
Our BMW F45 on the other hand did come with run-flats and they were so uncomfortable. I eventually swapped them for non-run-flat all-season tyres but that in itself wasn’t without issue. The tyre shop were reluctant to swap them until I’d contacted my insurance company to note it as a modification. Apparently a previous customer had swapped to non-run-flats and subsequently had an accident which their insurance company refused to cover because of the tyre change.
Our BMW F45 on the other hand did come with run-flats and they were so uncomfortable. I eventually swapped them for non-run-flat all-season tyres but that in itself wasn’t without issue. The tyre shop were reluctant to swap them until I’d contacted my insurance company to note it as a modification. Apparently a previous customer had swapped to non-run-flats and subsequently had an accident which their insurance company refused to cover because of the tyre change.
Have had 3 MINIs. All have come with run flats. And I believe all were Pirelli brand.
All 3 cars felt ok though the tires were not as grippy as those (high performance) tires on my previous cars, a Boxster and a 996 Turbo. But the run flats offered a degree of peace of mind that I didn't have with the high performance tires and their propensity for collecting punctures.
Maybe high performance tires or just non run tires would have delivered a better experience -- well provided they avoided a puncture -- but neither of my MINIs felt like it was handicapped to any significant degree in the handling/road manners department. All were a blast to drive to the grocery store or to a 2000 mile distant destination.
Put me down then as recommending you give the run flats a chance.
All 3 cars felt ok though the tires were not as grippy as those (high performance) tires on my previous cars, a Boxster and a 996 Turbo. But the run flats offered a degree of peace of mind that I didn't have with the high performance tires and their propensity for collecting punctures.
Maybe high performance tires or just non run tires would have delivered a better experience -- well provided they avoided a puncture -- but neither of my MINIs felt like it was handicapped to any significant degree in the handling/road manners department. All were a blast to drive to the grocery store or to a 2000 mile distant destination.
Put me down then as recommending you give the run flats a chance.
Ive changed the tyres on both of my MINI'S to conventional tyres.
The F55 i currently own has Hankook ventus S1 evo3 fitted which totally transformed the ride.
No more tram lining and are less crashy on uneven surfaces.
I told my insurance company, and providing they meet BS standards they are fine.
The tyres have an XL wall which means they behave the same as run flats in corners too.
Hope this helps.
The F55 i currently own has Hankook ventus S1 evo3 fitted which totally transformed the ride.
No more tram lining and are less crashy on uneven surfaces.
I told my insurance company, and providing they meet BS standards they are fine.
The tyres have an XL wall which means they behave the same as run flats in corners too.
Hope this helps.
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